OPEN AUDITIONS FOR MAN OF LA MANCHA TO BE HELD BY ST. MARYS LITTLE THEATRE
AUDITIONS ON SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2:30-6:00 PM
AT J’S RESTAURANT, 711 OSBORNE ST., ST. MARYS, GA
ST. MARYS, GA—The recently organized community group, St. Marys Little Theatre (SMLT), will be holding open auditions for their first production, Man of La Mancha on May 1st in downtown St. Marys. According to Theatre founder, Barbara Ryan, the group is seeking individuals who can sing and act to be a part of the cast for this—in Ryan’s words—rather ambitious undertaking.
“Man of La Mancha is one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals,” Ryan said. “As a first production, it will be a challenge, but its success will be a testament to the great local talent that abounds in our area.”
Ryan and fellow SMLT board members have already discovered some impressive talents, and are looking forward to meeting others who seek an opportunity to showcase their gifts through community theatre.
Man of La Mancha tells the story of a ‘mad’ knight, Don Quixote, as a play within a play, performed by Miguel de Cervantes and his fellow prisoners as he awaits a hearing with the Spanish Inquisition. Ryan said that the musical serves up a timeless message of hope and redemption relevant to today’s difficult times.
The original 1965 Broadway production of Man of La Mancha ran for 2,328 performances and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The musical has been revived four times on Broadway, becoming one of the most enduring works of musical theatre. The story of Don Quixote was reprised in a movie starring Sophia Loren and Peter O’Toole in 1972. The signature song in the play, The Impossible Dream, has become a standard, and Ryan said its rendition in the showstopping anthem at the end of the play will touch the hearts of everyone.
“I don’t expect a dry eye in the audience,” Ryan said. “I feel the words of that song will reverberate around the audience long after they’ve left the performance venue.”
Anyone interested in auditioning should research Man of La Mancha on the internet, decide which role they’d like to perform, and prepare accordingly. For suggestions on audition content, call 912-729-1103.
The St. Marys Little Theatre is a nonprofit organization with a mission to “enrich lives and enhance the cultural composition of the arts in Camden County, Georgia, through community participation in theater education, live performances, workshops, and other outreach programs associated with theater arts.” Visit www.stmaryslittletheatre.com for more information about the organization.
